In the largest study of its kind, Environmental Health Perspectives analyzed over three million births in nine countries. The results were startling. The studies concluded that pregnant women who breathe in high levels of air pollution are at an increased risk of having children with low birth weight, which is commonly associated with high infant mortality as well as various diseases later in life.

March is National Baby Month, a time where we are supposed to celebrate the life of our newborn sons and daughters. However, we are often exposed to the risks that many face.

There are far too many hazards, but what are they?

Every year, multiple recalls on children toys are put into effect due to lead being discovered. Lead poisoning can lead to long-term neurological damage that is often associated with learning and behavior problems. Recalls are also issued for toys that contain choking hazards, which is the fourth leading cause of unintentional death in children under the age of 5. Keeping track of the hazards that face our children is important, but keeping track of the healthy options for your son or daughter is just as important.

The Kid Kanteen BPA Free Sippy Cup is one of those options. Amid growing awareness of health concerns over the brain, breast and prostate, the FDA recently banned BPA (Bisphenol A) from popular plastic baby bottles and Sippy cups. Despite the ban, other harmful chemicals can easily latch onto plastic bottles causing health problems. The Kid Kanteen Sippy Cup line is BPA-free, stainless steel and resistant to colors and flavors. It allows you to carry milk, filtered water and juice in a safer container than many plastic baby bottles.

What about breathing in air pollution?

As noted earlier, air pollution can pose serious health risk for your newborn son or daughter. Poor indoor air quality is a major source for allergen and asthma triggers. It is also linked to sleeping problems such as sleep apnea, according to a study by WebMD.com. When it comes to cleaning up indoor air and asthma/allergy relief, parents turn to the Austin Air Junior Allergy air Purifier. The reason isn’t that its top-of-the-line, the reason is that it works. In a recent study published by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the parents who used The Austin Air Machine for their children saw the number of hospital visits reduced by 18.5%. The Austin Air HM205 is effective in improving the overall respiratory health of your son or daughter.

When your child is having trouble sleeping or breathing, another healthy option is the Vicks Starry Night Cool Moisture Humidifier. This humidifier allows your child to experience easier breathing and a better night’s rest. With a run time of 18-24 hours and a tank capacity of 1 gallon, this is one of the best child-friendly humidifiers on the market. The Starry Night Projector (its distinctive feature) transforms your child’s room into a starry night sky that will delight your son or daughter.

As a parent, what should you do?

This is by no means an exhaustive list of all the dangers that certain baby products can pose. As a parent, the most important thing  is to pay close attention to all recalls that affect your children. It is also important to consider the products that have the most important factor in mind: the health of your son or daughter.

Celebrating the apple of your eye goes far beyond this month. It makes since to consider baby items that are long lasting and succeed in the areas that too many fall short in. There are options that have the overall health of your son or daughter in mind to ensure that their bright smile and infectious laugh continues to delight you for years to come.